Invitation to the Whitsun Conference 2025

Friday, June 6th - Monday, June 9th

Full of Life – Powers of Pedagogy
Imagination-Truth-Responsibility

For 17 years, our Whitsun Conference has been based on our study of the 14 lectures of Rudolf Steiner’s Study of Man. In 2025, the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s death, we will complete the series with the final and 14th Lecture. The stance and attitude of the pedagogue is a central theme of the lecture. A pedagogue, or teacher, whose will is permeated in feeling, can keep the subjects alive and steep them with imagination. Maintaining an intercourse of vivid imagination, having the courage to have a sense of truth, and feeling the responsibility for that which is soul - in this manner the teacher can support the life impulses and development of the child. Rudolf Steiner completes The Study of Man with the threefold essence of pedagogy and teaching, touching us deeply in light of the times we are living in: A time in which we are required, on a daily basis, to draw from nothing without losing ourselves.

As in previous years, we will offer text work on the 14th lecture online as a shared preparation experience.

As lecturers we welcome Sabine Cebulla-Holzki (Pedagogical Management, Association of Waldorf Preschools), Philipp Reubke (Pedagogical Section, Goetheanum), Felicia Holland (Priest of the Christian Community Hannover), Dr. Philipp Gelitz (ALANUS University, Alfter) and Dr. Michaela Glöckler (pediatrician).

There will be seminar and artistic workshops and (new!) in-depth workshops, and space for encounters and exchanges on the wonderful school grounds. Musical, eurythmic and creative evening activities will round off the program.

In 2026 there will be no Whitsun Conference, however, there will be the IASWECE World Early Childhood Conference at the Goetheanum in Dornach. Exactly how our Whitsun Conference can be a space for gathering, for spiritual, artistic, and practical work together starting in 2027 - this we would like to decide and shape together at this year’s conference!

We invite and welcome you!

We are continuing our collaboration with the Professional Association of Eurythmists with a focus on kindergarten eurythmy, including interesting new courses to encourage professional encounters between kindergarten eurythmists and teachers.

We would especially like to invite, at a reduced rate, all childminders, daycare providers, and leaders of parent-child groups.

Once again, you will have the opportunity to participate online and follow the presentations digitally.

We look forward to welcoming interested participants from all over the world, whether online or in person, on the beautiful grounds of the Waldorf School Maschsee!

On behalf of the staff of the Whitsun Conference Team and in cooperation with the Pedagogical Section of the Goetheanum,
Heartfelt greetings,

Dagmar Scharfenberg and Philipp Reubke